How Do You Wash Clothes After Swimming?
After swimming, promptly rinse your clothes thoroughly with cool water to remove chlorine, salt, and other chemicals. This initial rinse is crucial to prevent damage and odors. For swimsuits, hand-washing with a small amount of mild detergent is recommended. This removes lingering chemicals and prevents fabric damage. Avoid harsh detergents or hot water.
Swimsuits:
- Rinse Immediately: Rinse your swimsuit thoroughly under cool running water as soon as possible after swimming. This removes the majority of chlorine, salt, and other chemicals that can damage the fabric.
- Hand Wash (Recommended): For best results, hand-wash your swimsuit using a mild detergent like Soak (as recommended by Wirecutter) and cool-to-room temperature water. Gently swish the suit in the soapy water and then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing.
- Alternative Method: A solution of 1 part orange juice to 4 parts water can be used to soak the garment for a minute, followed by thorough rinsing (Reddit r/Swimming).
- Air Dry: Always air dry your swimsuit flat, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Never put a swimsuit in a dryer.
Other Clothes:
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse clothes worn while swimming thoroughly under cool water to remove chlorine and other chemicals.
- Machine Wash: Most clothing worn for swimming (shorts, t-shirts, etc.) can be machine washed with other similar fabrics. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid washing with dark or black clothes, particularly with a swimsuit (Reddit r/laundry).
- Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: Air drying is best for most fabrics; however, if machine drying, choose a low heat setting to prevent shrinking or damage.
Note: While chlorine itself doesn't directly stain clothes, prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can weaken fibers over time and cause fading. Regular washing, especially after swimming, is vital to maintain your clothing’s quality and longevity. Leaving swimwear on for hours after swimming is not advisable, as prolonged contact with chlorine and salt can be damaging.
Important Considerations:
- Water Type: The type of water you swim in (chlorinated pool, ocean, lake) will affect the washing process. Saltwater can leave behind mineral deposits, so rinsing is especially important after ocean swims.
- Fabric Type: Delicate fabrics require more gentle handling and may benefit from hand washing.
